NSEA is again partnering with WWU’s Huxley College to offer
the “Art, Science, and Ethics of Flyfishing” class
this summer as part of NSEA’s Liam Wood River Guardian Program.
The class takes place June 19-July 16, 2006. Dr. Leo Bodensteiner
will be the primary instructor with support from veteran flyfishers
from the community.
The flyfishing program helps meet NSEA’s goals of providing
education and fostering stewardship through teaching students
about issues affecting fish and habitat. In this program, we use
the educational opportunity provided by learning to flyfish. Lessons
take place in the classroom and on local lakes and streams.
The class consists of learning about the river continuum concept,
fish and macroinvertebrates, their habitats, tolerances, stream
health parameters, conservation and management issues, and ethics.
Students learn to tie flies and practice casting in lab sessions.
Reading and reporting on flyfishing literature rounds out the
students’ experience.
David James Duncan, Northwest author and one of the founders
of the program, feels that its significance is that it connects
students “to the inarguable integrity and sincerity of purpose
of the natural world” that is missing from the everyday
experiences of television, computers, and human social and political
lives.
Patagonia, Sage Manufacturing, Fourth Corner Fly Fishers, H&H
Anglers and Outfitters, Northwest Women Flyfishers, SAROC Foundation,
and several individual donors gave materials and funds to support
the class.
NSEA Board member Bret Simmons said, “The success of the
class would not have been possible without the heartfelt contributions.
It has enabled the students to become better stewards of the places
where fish exist and of the natural world.”
For more information or to sign up for this exciting class, see
www.wwu.edu/flyfishing
or call NSEA at 360-715-0283.
